May 18, 2009
The Board of Visitors today in a unanimous decision appointed John R.Broderick as the eighth president of Old Dominion University. Broderick,who has served as acting president since June 2008, was given a two-yearcontract effective May 18.
"Over the past year, John Broderick has deftly navigated Old DominionUniversity through a myriad of challenges and opportunities," said Board ofVisitors Rector Ross Mugler. "His leadership through significant statebudget reductions positioned the university in a more stable fiscalsituation, and his implementation of a comprehensive enrollment managementplan brought about a more strategic approach for ODU to increase thequality and rigor of its academics in the coming years."
Mugler added, "John impressed the board with his knowledge and experienceleading ODU, his positive relationships with legislators, communityleaders, faculty, students, alumni and donors, and his dedication andcommitment to this university."
"I am honored that the Board of Visitors would place their confidence in meat this challenging, but exciting time in Old Dominion University'shistory," noted Broderick. "I pledge to continue to work hard, be creative,invite collaboration, and manage the intricate details to keep thisuniversity moving forward. I am excited to lead Old Dominion Universityinto the future." (Read Broderick's full remarks to the Board athttp://www.odu.edu/ao/news/index.php?todo=details&id=15948).
Broderick will receive $312,000 annually, a $30,000 increase from hissalary as acting president. His contract will run through June 2011.
As acting president, Broderick has successfully guided the university's sixcolleges, more than 10 economic development and research centers, andnumerous partnerships with government and business organizations andagencies. He oversees an operating budget of $411.6 million and more than2,500 faculty and staff members.
"John has been a very effective voice for Old Dominion in governmentrelations and his service as acting president has brought continued successto the university," said Gov. Timothy Kaine. "I know that ODU is in goodhands and congratulate him on his most recent appointment."
Shortly after assuming the role of acting president, Broderick commissioneda university-wide enrollment management study that will result in theintegration of all of Old Dominion's programs, practices, policies andplanning to achieve optimal future enrollment and growth. The planestablishes institutional priorities and provides the basis on which tomake decisions for the future of the university.
"This is a very good move by the Board of Visitors," said Paul Champagne,chair of ODU's Faculty Senate. "John Broderick has tremendous supportacross the campus. I'm looking forward to working with him, as are theFaculty Senate and the entire faculty."
"I am ecstatic that acting President Broderick will now be PresidentBroderick," said Michelle R. Davis, ODU's 2008-09 student body president."A particular quote by Donald McGannon comes to mind: 'Leadership isaction, not position.' President Broderick is the epitome of action. He hasproven that he will do all he can to ensure a bright future and excellenteducational experience for the ODU student body."
During his tenure as acting president, Old Dominion drafted its 2009-2014Strategic Plan, which will position the university to further develop itsgrowing research reputation, enhance its residential campus, and strengthenits partnerships and contributions to the region.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim said ODU's Board of Visitors made a clear andcompelling commitment to the university's continuing role as a leader inthe areas of economic development, research and education when it electedBroderick as the institution's new president.
"During his tenure as acting president, John clearly demonstrated that hehas the skills, knowledge and ability to help the university meet thechallenges of the future," Fraim said. "John's relationships with federal,state and local political, business and community leaders will be a majorasset in the orderly growth of the university."
Tidewater Community College President Deborah DiCroce noted, "I amdelighted with the appointment. Mr. Broderick is the right leader for theright time at Old Dominion University. I look forward to working with Johnon issues of mutual interest."
Prior to becoming acting president, Broderick served 12 years as vicepresident for institutional advancement and admissions, taking on theadditional role of chief of staff to the president in 2003. His areas ofresponsibility included admissions, athletics, community relations,governmental relations, licensing, marketing, media relations, militaryaffairs, photography, publications, student financial aid and universityevents.
In addition to his administrative duties, Broderick annually teachesgraduate courses in the Darden College of Education.
He has been recognized for his contributions to higher education and theHampton Roads community with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities'Humanitarian Award, the Urban League of Hampton Roads' Marian Palmer CappsAward and the College Communicators Association Distinguished ServiceAward. He was a finalist for the national PR News' Professional of the YearAward.
Throughout his career, Broderick has been actively engaged in numerouscommunity and professional organizations. He currently is a board member ofthe Hampton Roads Partnership, Urban League and Virginia Beach Vision, andhas served for many years as a youth soccer league coach in Chesapeake.
Prior to joining Old Dominion University in 1993, Broderick was a facultymember at the University of Pittsburgh and an administrator at St.Bonaventure University. He received a bachelor's degree from NortheasternUniversity and a graduate degree from St. Bonaventure.
Broderick succeeds Roseann Runte, who stepped down last year to accept theposition of president at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.